Omar Gatlato (1977)

A somewhat cynical but realistic look at the alienation of men in Algerian society.

Director:

Merzak Allouache

Writer:

Merzak Allouache

Stars:

Boualem Benani, Aziz Degga, Farida Guenaneche

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview:
Boualem Benani	...	Omar Gatlato
Aziz Degga	...	Moh
Farida Guenaneche	...	Selma
Rabah Leghaa	...	Hamid Mechtak Maarifa
Abdelkader Chaou	...	The Singer
Krimo Baba Aïssa	...	Dahmane Beeftack
Areski Nebti	...	The Uncle

Storyline

A watershed film, Omar Gatlato held a mirror up to Algerian male culture and the mirror cracked. The title refers to the expression "gatlato al-rujula," or, roughly, "machismo killed him" and the film's mordant insights into male posturing and alienation in Algerian society animate this bit of folk wisdom. In mock documentary style, a young man recounts with wry commentary a typical day in his life in the Bab el-Oued quarter of Algiers, while the camera playfully shows a different story. In following Omar and his friends in their pursuit of happiness, the film examines with shrewd humor the gang values of urban youth; their passion for popular culture (soccer, "Hindoo" movies, Rai concerts), their hidden fear of women, and their social insecurity in an environment where they are marginalized.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

Algeria

Language:

French Arabic

Release Date:

25 May 1977 (France)

Filming Locations:

Algiers, Algeria

Company Credits

Production Co:

O.N.C.I.C.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

User Reviews

Better than "Citizen Kane". Best world cinema film about hopelessness, pain and frustration.

Thanks you very much, very much and really very much Mister Merzak Allouache for having made one of the most original, honest and frank film about the loss of dreams of the young generation. You have made all your films under harsh conditions and trust me mankind will remember you for this humanist masterpiece. It is a film which shows how so many dreams have died, how individual dignity of ordinary people is suppressed. What is to be done when the dreams do not exist any more. Although the film depicts a young Algerian man, the story could have taken place anywhere in the world especially in a third world country or developing countries (for all the admirers of politically correct stance). Anyone who has a heart can easily comprehend the pain and suffering of this young man. Recommendation : a great film for those who want to become better human beings.